The Internet has been buzzing about Oakland-bred visual artist Kreayshawn (Kray-shawn), whose viral video for “Gucci Gucci” has racked up 2.5 million views on YouTube. Now Columbia Records plans to make her a household name. The label, home to Beyoncé, John Legend, and Maxwell, has signed the rapper to a lucrative deal.
The 21-year-old, born Natassia Zolot, will release her single to digital retailers on June 14 with her full-length debut album to follow later this year. In the guerilla-style clip for “Gucci Gucci,” the tatted Kreayshawn calls out the “basic bitches” who obsess over brand names. She is joined by her fellow White Girl Mob member, stylist, and DJ L1L D3BB13 as she raps in front of designer stores on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
“I’m excited to work with my new Columbia family,” stated Kreayshawn, who has directed videos for Lil B and Soulja Boy. “They understand my vision and are going to let me continue everything I’ve been doing. My hope is to inspire others to be young, wild, and free.”
She described herself in less than picturesque words on her website. “I’m a piece of shit but, I am raw talent. Nothing but, unfiltered pain and torture I received as a child in the cold world,” she wrote. “Nothing’s nice about my style. I just got shit to do. Art is my means to my hustle. I just wanna share everything with everyone.”
Are you down with Kreayshawn? Check out her movement below.